James Lamar Downs

J. Lamar “Bar” Downs, 92, of Athens, passed away on December 16, 2014 following a period of declining health. He was born on October 29, 1922, in Oconee County and lived in Athens since he was five years old. He was the son of the late James A. Downs and Eva Aycock Downs. He was predeceased by five siblings: A. Lloyd Downs, Etta Mae D. Hamilton, Ethel D. Patrick, Hinton D. Christian, and William P. Downs.

He graduated from Athens High School and attended the University of Georgia. He joined his father in the family business, Oconee Dairy, which operated on the Macon Highway until he closed the business in the early fifties. Lamar joined the workforce at Thornton Brothers Paper Company where he spent 33 years in sales. He maintained friendships with his customers well past his retirement in 1986.

In retirement, Lamar enjoyed being with family, woodworking, traveling, gardening, participating in the Golden Key Kiwanis Club, and having breakfasts around town.

Lamar was a long time member of First Christian Church of Athens, Georgia, where he worshipped and shared decades of service including Deacon, Elder (Emeritus), Trustee (Emeritus), Board Chair, Sunday School teacher, and youth group sponsor.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marian “Babe” Downs. Together they molded a legacy of family love for their children, Susan D. (Wilbur) Mull and Mary D. (Aubrey) Garrison; their grandchildren, Kelly L. (Kelly) Dixon, Amy D. (Rusty) Perry, Casey D. Mull, and Shellie K. Mull; and their great-grandchildren, Whit Perry, Sutton Perry, Riordan Dixon, Rowan Dixon, and Reilly Jane Dixon. In addition to his immediate family, numerous nieces, nephews, and close-as-family friends survive him.

His final years were enhanced by the caring staff and by friendships made at Athens Heritage. He treasured his time with Lashondra “L’il Bit” George, CNA with United Hospice.

Following calling hours from 1:00PM-3:00PM on Saturday, December 20th, at Bernstein Funeral Home, Dr. Alan Mace and Rev. Ray Austin will conduct services at 3:00PM in the Chapel at Bernstein.

Pallbearers will be Dave Phlegar, Al Hawley, Jeb Bradberry, Edd Lowe, Gary Hansford, Bill Marshall, and Walker Bradberry, honorary pallbearer.

Memorial remembrances can be made to the charity of one’s choice or to the First Christian Church.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements